Why marriage equality matters

Why do you think it's important for Bank Australia and other business leaders to support marriage equality?

I am extremely proud to work at Bank Australia, for at the heart of our business is the wish to create positive social outcomes for our customers and community. Which is why showing our support for marriage equality is fundamental to what we do. At the end of the day marriage equality is about all people being treated equally – I can't think of a better outcome for our country.

It is also great to see many other Australian companies acknowledging their ability to positively influence, taking on this responsibility and standing up in support of marriage equality. The message corporate Australia can relay to the public and politicians in particular is, we have great workplace anti-discrimination laws, and understand everyone has an inalienable right for an equal opportunity to succeed at work. Therefore is it not a natural conclusion everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in life also? With marriage remaining a cornerstone of family and community, refusing this right is to not only deny basic human rights, it also just isn't very smart business.

Why is marriage equality important to you?

For me I think about all the people coming to terms with themselves and the families that still struggle with accepting their children.

Youth suicide, particularly LGBTQ youth suicide remains a big issue. I believe the government refusing to legalise same sex marriage is sending the message that there's something wrong with being gay.

I look forward to the day where coming out is not even a thing and gender or sexual preference is not a topic of debate, marriage equality is the next step towards this future.

It is equally disappointing as it is embarrassing that the Australian government is not as forward thinking as many other countries that have already legalised, on a very simple understanding that love is love.

Bank Australia is proud to support the Australian Marriage Equality Campaign. Read the open letter of support from our Chair and Managing Director here.